Strengthening ties: Belize military leaders attend U.S. Change of Command ceremony in Honduras

Published by BBNTEAM at June 22, 2025

Posted: Sunday, June 22, 2025. 7:32 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: On June 18, Colonel Anthony Velasquez, Deputy Commander of the Belize Defence Force (BDF), represented Belize at the U.S. Joint Task Force-Bravo Change of Command Ceremony held at Soto Cano Airbase in Honduras. The event marked the transition of command from Colonel Daniel Alder to Colonel Robert Snyder and was attended by military leaders from various nations.

Joining Colonel Velasquez were Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, and Lieutenant Colonel Alan Somerville from the British Army Training Support Unit Belize. Their presence underscored Belize’s commitment to regional security and collaboration.

Following the ceremony, Rear Admiral Bennett and Colonel Velasquez engaged in an official meeting with General Roosevelt Leonel Hernández Aguilar, Joint Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Honduras, and Rear Admiral Austacil Hagarín Tomé Flores, Commander of the Honduran Navy. The discussions aimed to enhance military cooperation between Honduras, the BDF, and the Belize Coast Guard.

A significant focus of the meeting was on professional military education, as both sides explored opportunities for further collaboration. There are plans for continued dialogue and future visits, allowing the Belize Defence Force and Belize Coast Guard to send qualified officer cadets to the Honduran Army Academy and Naval Academy.

These efforts are part of a broader initiative to strengthen military partnerships in the region, ensuring mutual support in addressing challenges and enhancing security.

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